Hawkesbury hosts a small six-race card on Wednesday with the first set to jump at 2:05pm (AEDT) where every runner except the third emergency is on debut. The rail is out +5m from the 1100m to the 450m mark, true for the remainder and the track is rated a Soft 5. Sunny conditions leading up to and on race day means it could be a track upgrade, so watch and monitor. We bring you our best bets for the day below!
Hawkesbury Racing Tips: Wednesday, April 8th 2026
Race 2: Elite Sand & Soil Handicap 1100m – 2:40pm (AEDT)
(7) Lighthouse Lass has been a model of consistency this preparation with all three runs producing a second-placed finish. The three-year-old filly led them up last start at the Kensington circuit but found Horseshoe Hill too strong to hold out, going down by 1.23 lengths. Hopefully she can get a nice run from barrier one behind the speed and look to let down strongly in the home straight for a much-deserved win.
(2) Somerton Smart resumed with a fourth in a Class 2 Handicap over this distance. In his first career prep, the three-year-old gelding had won both races in impressive fashion. If he runs like that second-up, he will be extremely hard to beat. The widest gate is also a query, but he gets Siena Grima back in the saddle and that pair combined both times in 2025 for victories.
(4) Sapling is first-up into this race off the back of two trials, the latest was a nice hit out behind Just Response as they cleared out from the rest of the field from the outset of the trial. Zac Lloyd picks up the ride on the filly who has won once from seven starts. She may need the run under her belt.
(7) Lighthouse Lass WIN
$3.80 (1.5 Units)
Race 3: Blakes Marine Handicap 1600m – 3:15pm (AEDT)
(3) Almaaz is a Chris Waller-trained three-year-old filly that has raced four times for three minor placings. The latest of those was a third-placed run in a Wyong Super Maiden over 1625m when beaten 4.16 lengths by Think Itz You. Once again, James McDonald will take the ride as they jump from barrier seven. Two starts back, the daughter of Zoustar was a good second at Rosehill Gardens over 1500m. Looks a good price at $5.
(2) Lontrice is favourite for Team Hawkes and he finished fourth at Randwick-Kensington a fortnight ago. Metallic Cat who won that race has since won a Benchmark 72 event. That helps put the 4.68-length defeat into perspective. Looks a suitable race for Lontrice to prove hard to beat.
(7) Iron Legend is a stablemate to Almaaz and he raced against her when running sixth, finishing two lengths away from her. Looks more of a place chance in this contest.
(3) Almaaz WIN
$5.00 (1 Unit)
Race 5: Darren Pullman 10YR Memorial Handicap 1300m – 4:25pm (AEDT)
(7) Aligned is having a nice prep for trainer Peter Snowden with two wins and a minor placing. At his latest run, in a Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1400m, Aligned finished in fourth place, beaten 3.03 lengths. He is on the quick back up, draws the inside gate, and will be in the thick of the action early. He looks good enough to be fighting out the finish in this field.
(2) Luskaire strung together four-straight wins in 2025 before finishing with a fourth behind Rotagilla who also returns here. The 1300m is a little short of his preferred distance but he has won over 1400m and it won’t shock if he runs a decent race fresh. Will improve off whatever he does here and will prefer getting out between 1600-2000m.
(6) Spione races well when fresh, having won two of three attempts at his first run into a campaign. A pair of trials before this event will have him ready to rock and roll. One of the leading contenders here.
(7) Aligned WIN
$3.40 (1.5 Units)
